Click to reveal site search
Snorkeling in the Philippines

Underwater Treasures in Shallow Seas

The moment you enter the water, you are enveloped in a new and colorful world. Yellow and red sea fans undulate on pastel coral reefs swarming with brightly-decorated tropical fish. Gold-flecked eagle rays glide across white sand bottoms, while bizarrely mottled bottom dwellers peer cautiously from burrows and crevices. Critter counters can tally up more than 2,000 species of fish and 400 varieties of coral in the waters of the Philippines, but you don't need a degree in marine biology to enjoy the underwater show that takes place in the shallow waters that surround this nation of islands.

Highlights

  • Best for: Solos, couples and budget to luxury
  • Best season to visit: Year round, with coolest and driest temperatures from Dec through June
  • Weather: The Philippines is usually hot and humid. There are three seasons: tag-init or tag-araw, the hot dry season or summer from Mar - May; tag-ulan, the rainy season from June - Nov; and tag-lamig, the cool, dry season from Dec - Feb

Philippines Information

Snorkeling in the Philippines Overview

The Philippines are rich in shallow reefs that lie within easy swimming distance of the beach, or which can be reached by short boat rides. Prime sites can be found around many islands but some are easier to reach than others. As a result, the availability of boats, dive shops and related infrastructure should be factored into travel plans.

Snorkeling in the Philippines Tips

Don't just focus on the corals. The waters of the Philippines are home to a number of unique sea creatures that live on sandy and silty sea floors. When planning a snorkel excursion to Lamanok Island, be sure to leave plenty of time for a tour of the coastal caves, which are decorated with prehistoric paintings and the embedded fossils of giant clams.

Best Places to Snorkel in the Philippines

Discover uncrowded reefs on the quiet eastern shore of Bohol Island. This region offers shallow coral reefs that begin close to shore, mangrove nurseries filled with juvenile fish, and silt bottom bays that hide exotic marine life. Steep walls begin close to shore, and snorkelers who venture close to the edge may see big fish and possibly even a passing whale shark.

What to Pack for Snorkeling in the Philippines

Because most snorkel trips begin on soft sandy beaches, from docks or boat decks, full-foot fins might be a better option than open heel fins and boots, as they are more streamlined, and there's one less thing to pack. Remember a water shirt for sun protection on the back.

Resorts

Snorkeling

Philippines

Azure Dive Resort

DAUIN - The Azure Dive Resort is the quintessence of the Filipino spirit—warm as the inviting blue waters of its private beach; gracious as the palm fronds that bend in the breeze. The resort was conscientiously built with the Filipino heritage in mind; an extraordinary touch of the Filipino culture can be experienced within its unassuming spaces. The unobtrusive presence of a highly-trained staff ensures efficient service and utmost privacy for all guests. The rooms were designed to mimic the comforts of a modern Filipino home. Tucked away in the tropical haven sleepy town of Dauin, Negros Oriental. It sits on a sprawling 1,620-square meter terrain that gently slopes down to a sandy stretch that merges with the warm Bohol Sea.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Snorkeling

Philippines

El Galleon Dive Resort

PUERTO GALERA - El Galleon Dive Resort is a beachfront resort with pool, two great bars and a restaurant which partners with Asia Divers, a renowned dive operation in the Philippines offering tech and recreational diving. Established in 1987, the dive team brings a wealth of information and experience. Resort amenities include a waterfront restaurant, two bars, pool and spa.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Snorkeling

Philippines

Magic Oceans Dive Resort

ANDA, BOHOL Magic Island's newly built sister resort in Bohol is now open! The 16-room dive resort offers a fresh water pool, restaurant/bar and massage services. The house reef is available 24/7 for easy shore diving. Up to four boat dives a day to sites within 40 minutes of the resort. Trips to Camiguin for muck diving, South Leyte for whale sharks also available.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More

Passport and/or Visa Requirements

Entry Requirements: All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport. Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry stamp and proof of onward or return airline ticket may be required. Visas upon arrival are issued for 30 days for tourist stays.

Exit Requirements: All persons leaving the Philippines pay a Government Departure Tax of approximately USD $17.

Immunizations

There are no required vaccines for entry into the Philippines, although you should always check with your doctor and the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations for travel at cdc.gov.

Culture and Customs

The Philippines are a blend of East and West. Centuries of Spanish and US influences mix with Asian cultural traditions and cuisines. Sophisticated urban centers such as Manila contrast with village life in small fishing communities and mountain settlements. Music is a common love that unites Philippine people of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, whether the performance takes the form of a spirited karaoke rendition of a pop favorite or a traditional rondalla. It is a culture where people are quick to sing, laugh easily, and place high values on family, friendships and hospitality. Clear waters and spectacular beaches attract vacationers to coastal resorts, while adventure-minded travelers have a wide range of activities to choose from. Nature lovers can trek, bike or bird in one of the world's most diverse biospheres, home to nearly 80 percent of the world’s plant and animal species. Though better known for its beaches, the Philippines is also a land of towering mountains, with peaks rising to heights of more than 9,000 feet. In addition to trekking and climbing, the highlands provide thrilling whitewater rafting and paddles through underground rivers. Indigenous wellness traditions live on in healing arts such as Hilot touch therapy and Dagdagay foot massage and in the traditional greeting of “Mabuhay,” which is a wish for good health, peace, and harmony.

Electricity, Phone and Internet Access

Electricity in the Philippines is 220 volts, 60 Hz, so an adapter will be needed for U.S. visitors. If your electronic device does not accept 220 V input, you may also need a step down transformer.

The country code for the Philippines is 63. Check with your cell phone provider for International plans which may include text, data and voice. Many hotels offer WiFi.

Water Quality

The water is safe to drink at the larger chain hotel and in major cities, which offer purified water, but it is recommended to drink bottled water while in the Philippines.

Language & Currency

The Philippines is the 3rd largest English-speaking country in the world. Tagalog (Filipino) is spoken by nearly 1/3 of the population as a first language and as a second language by the other 2/3 of the population. Filipino is the official language of education, but English is also an official language. The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP) but U.S. dollars are accepted in most places. Check the currency rate here.

Time

The Philippines observe Philippines Time or PHT which is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+8 GMT). The Philippines does not observe daylight savings time.

Location, Size and Population

The Philippines are located in Southeast Asia, in the Western Pacific Ocean, east of Vietnam and northeast of Malaysia. The Philippines are made up of 7,107 islands. The three main islands are Luzon in the north, the Visayas in the Central Region and Mindanao in the South. The capital city of the Philippines is Manila. The islands take up approximately 115,830 square miles. The islands vary in size with Luzon being the largest at 42,458 square miles, it is also the 15th largest island in the world and the 4th most populated island in the world, to some of the smaller places like popular Dumaguete, which is only around 13 square miles and located in the Visayas.

The population of the Philippines is over 102 Million (2016).

Top
#

caradonna